NBA Playoffs 2018: Celtics coach Brad Stevens discusses Cavaliers strengths and weaknesses with Kyrie Irving

Celtics guard Kyrie Irving will miss all of the Eastern Conference Finals with an injury. But, he will still be an asset to Boston coach Brad Stevens when his team faces the Cavaliers.

Stevens and Irving met earlier this week to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of his former Cleveland teammates, according to a report from Celtics.com. Irving played with the Cavaliers from 2011-17 before he was traded to Boston in August.

Brad Stevens says he spent “a lot of time” yesterday with Kyrie Irving. Says he picked Irving’s brain about LeBron and the other four returning Cavs players and their strengths/weaknesses.

— Marc D'Amico (@Marc_DAmico) May 11, 2018

Irving was teammates with just five players on the current Cleveland roster: LeBron James, Tristan Thompson, J.R. Smith, Kevin Love and Kyle Korver.

The 26-year-old was an All-Star during his first season in Boston, averaging 24.4 points and 5.1 assists over 60 games.

But, Irving last appeared in a game for Boston March 11. He underwent knee surgery two weeks later and needed a second procedure in early April, which has caused him to miss the entire postseason.

The Celtics and Cavaliers will open Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET.